He Gave Us Scripture: Foundations of Interpretation

He Gave Us Scripture:
Foundations of
Interpretation
Study Guide
LESSON
ONE
INTRODUCTION TO
BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS
2013 by Third Millennium Ministries

www.thirdmill.org
For videos, manuscripts, and other resources, visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org.
CONTENTS
HOW TO USE THIS LESSON AND STUDY GUIDE ................................................. 3
NOTES ............................................................................................................................... 4
I. INTRODUCTION (0:19)........................................................................................... 4
II. TERMINOLOGY (2:25) ........................................................................................... 4
A. Biblical Hermeneutics (2:36) ............................................................................... 4
B. Hermeneutical Processes (6:14) ........................................................................... 5
1. Preparation (6:45) .......................................................................................... 5
2. Investigation (8:28) ........................................................................................ 5
3. Application (9:50) .......................................................................................... 6
III. SCIENTIFIC HERMENEUTICS (11:25) ................................................................. 6
A. Biblical Roots (12:45) .......................................................................................... 6
B. Examples (15:46) ................................................................................................. 7
C. Priorities (26:15) .................................................................................................. 8
1. Preparation (26:48) ........................................................................................ 8
2. Investigation (28:41) ...................................................................................... 9
3. Application (30:15) ........................................................................................ 9
IV. DEVOTIONAL HERMENEUTICS (33:23) ............................................................. 9
A. Biblical Roots (35:22) ........................................................................................ 10
B. Examples (38:38) ............................................................................................... 10
C. Priorities (46:33) ................................................................................................ 11
1. Preparation (47:45) ...................................................................................... 11
2. Investigation (52:35) .................................................................................... 12
3. Application (55:17) ...................................................................................... 12
V. CONCLUSION (58:56) ........................................................................................... 13
REVIEW QUESTIONS ................................................................................................. 14
APPLICATION QUESTIONS ...................................................................................... 18
He Gave Us Scripture: Foundations of Interpretation

Lesson 1: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
2014 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org
HOW TO USE THIS LESSON AND STUDY GUIDE

This study guide is designed for use in conjunction with the associated video lesson. If
you do not have access to the video, the study guide will also work with the audio and/or
text versions of the lesson. Additionally, the lesson and study guide are intended to be
used in a learning community, but they also can be used for individual study if necessary.
Before you watch the lesson

o Prepare Complete any recommended readings.
o Schedule viewing In the Notes section of the study guide, the lesson
has been divided into sections that correspond to the video. Using the time
codes found in parentheses beside each major division, determine where to
begin and end your viewing session. IIIM lessons are densely packed with
information, so you may also want to schedule breaks. Breaks should be
scheduled at major divisions.
While you are watching the lesson

o Take notes The Notes section of the study guide contains a basic
outline of the lesson, including the time codes for the beginning of each
section and key notes to guide you through the information. Many of the
main ideas are already summarized, but make sure to supplement these
with your own notes. You should also add supporting details that will help
you to remember, describe, and defend the main ideas.
o Record comments and questions As you watch the video, you may
have comments and/or questions on what you are learning. Use the
margins to record your comments and questions so that you can share
these with the group following the viewing session.
o Pause/replay portions of the lesson You may find it helpful to pause
or replay the video at certain points in order to write additional notes,
review difficult concepts, or discuss points of interest.
After you watch the lesson

o Complete Review Questions Review Questions are based on the basic
content of the lesson. You should answer Review Questions in the space
provided. These questions should be completed individually rather than in
a group.
o Answer/discuss Application Questions Application Questions are
questions relating the content of the lesson to Christian living, theology,
and ministry. Application questions are appropriate for written
assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it
is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.
2013 by Third Millennium Ministries

www.thirdmill.org
Notes
I.
Introduction (0:19)
II.
Terminology (2:25)
A.
Biblical Hermeneutics (2:36)

Hermeneutics refers to the interpretation or explanation of some kind of
message or communication.
Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768 1834) is the father of modern

hermeneutics.
Biblical hermeneutics is the study of interpreting the meaning and

significance of Scripture.

Notes
5
B.
Hermeneutical Processes (6:14)

Hermeneutical processes are the main procedures we follow as we
interpret the Bible.
1.
Preparation (6:45)
The process of preparation takes place before we begin our
interpretation because we always approach Scripture influenced by
various concepts, behaviors and emotions.
2.
Investigation (8:28)
Investigation is the process of concentrating on the original
meaning of a biblical passage.

Notes
6
3.
Application (9:50)
Application is the process of appropriately connecting Scriptures
original meaning to contemporary audiences.
III.
Scientific Hermeneutics (11:25)

Scientific hermeneutics refers to how biblical scholars have approached the
interpretation of Scripture like a scientific exercise.
A.
Biblical Roots (12:45)

The biblical roots of scientific hermeneutics make it a legitimate exercise.
Biblical authors interpreted other Scriptures with an orientation toward

factual and logical analysis (Romans 4:3-5).

Notes
7
B.
Examples (15:46)
Origen of Alexandria (A.D. 185 254)
Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430)
Thomas Aquinas (A.D. 1225-1274)
Renaissance (13th - 16th centuries): Meticulously analyzed the grammar

and ancient historical contexts of classical and biblical manuscripts.
The Protestant Reformation (16th century): Determined the meaning of

Scripture through analysis of the Bibles grammar and historical contexts.
Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone. Protestants believed that the

only infallible interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself.

Notes
8
Enlightenment (17th & 18th centuries): Emphasized modern, factual and
rational scientific standards for judging all truth claims, including those of
Scripture.
Modern biblical scholars have followed two main paths:
C.
Critical biblical studies reject Sola Scriptura and consider only reason
and scientific analysis as the supreme standard for discerning truth.
Evangelical biblical studies affirm Sola Scriptura and endorse the

scientific analysis of Bible as long as it does not contradict the
teachings of Bible.
Priorities (26:15)
1.
Preparation (26:48)
Biblical interpreters have developed priorities for preparation
similar to the priorities required for other academic disciplines.

Notes
9
2.
The two methods of biblical investigation:
3.
Exegesis: to pull out or derive meaning from a text
Eisegesis: to read meaning into a passage
Application (30:15)
Application is establishing the kinds of facts that the Bible teaches
modern followers of Christ to believe.
IV.
Devotional Hermeneutics (33:23)

Devotional hermeneutics is the Christian tradition of emphasizing our need to
draw near to God as we interpret the Scriptures.

Notes
10
A.
Biblical Roots (35:22)

The biblical authors approached the Scriptures devotionally.
B.
Examples (38:38)
Letter of Origen to Gregory: Origen told Gregory to devote himself to
divine reading or Lectio Divina.
Through the medieval period Lectio Divina was practiced in four steps:
lectio: reading of Scripture
meditatio: silent pondering of the content of what is read
oratio: earnest prayer for God to grant enlightenment
contemplatio: waiting for the Spirit of God to grant intuitive, deeply

emotional and transforming convictions of a passages significance.

Notes
11
John Calvin: rational and logical biblical interpreter of the early
Reformation who pursued scientific and devotional hermeneutics.
Jonathan Edwards (1703 1758): meticulously rational and logical, but

believed Scripture must be read with a deep sense of the presence of God.
C.
Priorities (46:33)
1.
Preparation (47:45)
We must draw near to God if we want to experience his special
presence (James 4:8).
Preparation for devotional hermeneutics involves sanctification or

holy consecration to God.
Three dimensions of preparation:
Conceptual: We must conform our beliefs to Gods true

word.
Behavioral: We must repent of our failures and have a

sincere desire to behave in ways that please God.
Emotional: We must address the full range of our emotions.

Notes
12
2.
Devotional hermeneutics entails investigating Scriptures original
meaning in ways that bring us near to God.
Three dimensions of investigation:
3.
Conceptual: Paying attention to the concepts that God

intended for the original audiences.
Behavioral: How biblical authors and audiences actions

affected their experience of Gods nearness.
Emotional: Drawing out the emotional dimensions of

original meaning.
Application (55:17)
Reading the Word of God in his presence so that we can apply the
Word of God as God intended.
Three dimensions of application:
Conceptual: How God impacts our concepts of himself,

humanity and the rest of creation through the Scriptures.

Notes
V.
13
Behavioral: How the presence of God affects our behaviors

as we contemplate the Scriptures.
Emotional: How our attitudes and feelings are affected by

reading the Scriptures in the special presence of God.
Conclusion (58:56)

Review Questions
1. What is biblical hermeneutics?
2. Describe the three main hermeneutical processes.

Review Questions
15
3. What are the biblical roots of scientific hermeneutics?
4. What are some historical examples that illustrate developments in scientific

hermeneutics?

Review Questions
16
5. Describe the priorities of approaching the Scriptures using scientific hermeneutics?
6. What are the biblical roots of devotional hermeneutics?

Review Questions
17
7. What are some historical examples of biblical scholars who practiced devotional
hermeneutics?
8. Describe how devotional hermeneutics shapes our priorities for the process of
interpretation?

Application Questions
1.
How does applying biblical hermeneutics change the way you understand the
Bible?
2.
How do you prepare yourself for the study of Scripture personally or in a group
setting?
3.
How does interpreting the Scriptures more like a scientific exercise influence your
interpretation of it?
4.
What comfort and encouragement do you draw from the fact that biblical authors
often interpreted the Scriptures with an orientation toward factual and logical
analysis?
5.
How should Sola Scriptura aid and guide your reading and interpretation of the
Bible?
6.
What confidence do you gain from the historical examples of scientific

hermeneutics?
7.
How are you drawing near to God as you read and interpret the Scriptures in your
current circumstances?
8.
How important is it for you to approach Scripture by prayerfully being dependent

upon the Holy Spirit?
9.
What benefits have you gained from a devotional approach to Scripture?
10.
How has a faithful practice of confessing your sins affected your ability to
understand the Bible?
11.
What is the most significant thing you learned in this lesson?


He Gave Us Scripture: Foundations of Interpretation - Lesson 1 - Study Guide

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He Gave Us Scripture:

2013 by Third Millennium Ministries

HOW TO USE THIS LESSON AND STUDY GUIDE

Before you watch the lesson

While you are watching the lesson

After you watch the lesson

2013 by Third Millennium Ministries

Biblical Hermeneutics (2:36)

Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768 1834) is the father of modern

Biblical hermeneutics is the study of interpreting the meaning and